This program saves me from losing my mind on a regular basis. I think it's the best thing I've gotten for my computer... well, ever.

I write a blog and I'm long winded, so when I hit post and get an error followed by hitting back on my browser only to find the masterpiece I just spent an hour on has vanished, I kinda lose it.

A couple months ago, I decided that I was going to find a way to get my work back come hell or high water! And yes, I know there are plug-ins or whatever that will save your writing, but they don't save the stuff you lost BEFORE you installed it. After hours and hours searching online for a solution, I found this baby! I've used her many a time since, and every time I remember I have this amazing program it stops me mid-freakout! Then I smile, and find what I lost, copy & paste into word, quick find & replace for the misc. characters, and I'm done! Problem solved. It's simply genious!

Instant opening - even large files
Explorer context menu integration
Warning for changing file size on by default
Backup files created by default

Cons

Would like to have a hex calculator and/or a decimal-to-hex converter

Summary

I've used HexEdit for years, and never had a complaint. Had a problem getting it to work in 64bit Win7, so I went looking for something different. Now I wish I'd gone looking a long time ago - HexEdit (finally got it working) takes 10 seconds to load even a small file - up to 13 seconds for a large file (1GB). HxD Hex Editor loads even the large file literally in the blink of an eye. And HxD creates backup files by default, where in HexEdit that option has to be turned on if you want it. I still use HexEdit for its built-in hex calculator, but HxD is now my primary editor.

my friend sent me a strange split file and told me to download some unknown software to join it.. hmm... i downloaded this HxD instead and was able to remove the headers and join the parts by copy-paste and the file worked! ive never done this before so im really happy i had WIN with this software!

very readable disply; allows editing; can open huge files; very user-friendly interface; there are too many good qualities to explain them all here

Cons

absolutely none found so far

Summary

This is a terrific product !!!!! It is spectacular (using CNet's term for five stars)!!!

Updated on Mar 24, 2011

For many, many years I used a DOS product named "List" because it was quick and could handle large files. Now I have a product that is much better and much easier to use. Any now I can edit them also!

Updated on Mar 31, 2011

How can this product be rated at only four stars? I am thinking that five is not enough. This product deserves a six-star rating. I wrote my original review before I discovered the file compare feature. It is very slick and easy to use. Best of all, it remembers the directory even when you close the product. Not only that, when you leave it open, it remembers both directories. I have two projects I am trying to keep in sync. HxD is making my much easier.

This is one of the fastest hex editors I have used. Its ability to show only Text, without the hex, helps when examining large text files. The ability to fit the width of the data display to the window size - Great! The ability to paste in a text snippet in the middle of a huge file that is damaged is absolutely wonderful, and you can insert bytes into the middle of a data file if needed as well.

All in all, this is one of the most versatile free hex editors I have ever used. Switched to it on a recommendation, and I see no need to change ever again.

Submit your reply

E-mail this review

E-mail this to: (Enter the e-mail address of the recipient)Add your own personal message:0 of 1,000 charactersSubmitcancel

Report offensive content

If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CNET's Site Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.

You must be 13 years of age or older to submit personal information to CNET Networks. In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, CNET Networks does not accept name and e-mail address information from users who are under 13 years of age.

All submitted ratings and written comments become the sole property of CNET Networks, Inc. (CNET) and may be used at CNET Networks' sole discretion. Ratings and written comments are generally posted within two to four business days in batch groups, not in real time. However, CNET Networks reserves the right to remove or refuse to post any submission for any reason. You acknowledge that you, not CNET Networks, are responsible for the contents of your submission.

CNET Networks is not responsible for the content of the publisher's descriptions or user reviews on this site. We encourage you to determine whether this product or your intended use is legal. We do not encourage or condone the use of any software in violation of applicable laws. CNET Download.com does not sell, resell, or license any of the products listed on the site. We cannot be held liable for issues that arise from the download or use of these products.

Error

Running Request

Smart Install Software

CNET TechTracker will now automatically install software without requiring further action by you. (Note: This feature automatically accepts associated EULAs and third party applications on your behalf.)

You have selected the following software to Smart Install:

CNET TechTracker will attempt to install this software without interrupting you again. If an application requires manual installation, CNET TechTracker will download the installer and prompt you to take further action.